[EBB Sightings] Coyote Hills Regional Park, 1/11/06

I walked a round trip from the Visitor's Center to the Ohlone Shell Mound,
then along the eastern boundary trail, at Coyote Hills Regional Park this
morning.  55 total species, the most notable of which were

CACKLING GOOSE (1)
AMERICAN BITTERN (1)
VIRGINIA RAIL (1 seen, others heard)
TREE SWALLOW (2)
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (1)
lots of accipters thinning the sparrow flocks - COOPER'S HAWK (3) and
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (1)

An interesting behavior I observed.  Just beyond where the (closed) Willow
Trail begins, there was a roosting tree with four TURKEY VULTURES.  One
COMMON RAVEN was harrassing them, jawing at each individual in turn.  the
Raven almost seemed to be trying to beg food from the Vultures, who were
quite perturbed, lifting their wings to try to look menancing.  The Raven,
though, was insistent.  Finally he got one of the Vultures to take the bait,
and take off into flight.  Here the Raven pursued the TV, the whole episode
appearing very similar to watching a jaeger pursue a gull.  In fact, I
wonder if it was precisely that sort of behavior...but delicate minds don't
want to consider that picture right before dinner!

BTW, I have been entering my sightings this year on eBird.  Apparently I am
the first person to submit a list for Coyote Hills.  Knowing I am going to
submit on eBird has gotten me into the habit of counting individuals - a
resolution and discipline for the new year.

Good birding - 

Jennifer Rycenga
Half Moon Bay, CA